I'm late and you're already moving away from a U or courtyard house. I love them, though, so will toss in my thought. A patio can be too enclosed, not just because of blocking breezes (biggie) but also too isolative. And I say that as someone who definitely requires privacy. I also love detached garages because I hate what attached ones cost a home, and they also present an opportunity to create a covered breezeway porch or pergola-covered patio between, even to frame views in and out. So, while you're still musing, I want to toss in the idea of an L shape, or roughly L shape, with a detached garage positioned on another side to create a semi-enclosed area. This way the enclosed area gets the breezes, privacy, and a view out. It also could be a bit larger and/or better shaped, that is, not determined totally in size and shape by the exigencies of room layout. (I suspect that first one you posted would not live well--too long, narrow, and closed in.) It's also very nice to see a one-story planned. Yes, they are more expensive--particularly because they tend to require more land, not just construction cost; most typical subdivision lots with zoning restrictions are waaay too small. Because of that single-story houses are becoming a luxury style. They're already starting to be seen as more desirable for remodels, and it won't be long before people who automatically look for two stories now wish they could afford one. BTW, don't get too happy with a specific plan if you haven't purchased your land yet. Making the best of its features will change everything. Enjoy your planning.

Of all I've seen so far, I like the general layout of the latest peninsula plan the best - but I would move the DW to the other side of the sink b/c the OP said they use the right door a lot and the current location of the DW will block that doorway. IF the OP can re-train his/her family to use the left door, the DW location may work - but they will need solid filler b/w the wall and DW b/c DWs usually need something to be attached to on each side. I would also consider moving the MW drawer. I think it's current location will draw people into the working area of the kitchen - and it's pretty far away from the refrigerator (where most MW'd food comes from) and a water source (most MW'd food needs water added to it). So, working off of Lisa_a's layout, this is what I came up with. It leaves the DW on the left, but adds a cabinet b/w the DW and wall for cutting board or other storage in a 13" wide cabinet (or 12" if you cannot have/get a 13"). Also note the upper cab to the right of the sink. If the hinges are on the right, then you will need filler b/w the refrigerator and the cabinet to allow the cabinet door to open fully. If the hinges are on the left, then you won't need filler and can have the full 24" of space for cabinets. The counter along the sink run is 3" deeper than normal (it's 28.5"D). This gives you more room behind the sink for the faucet, etc. It also allows you to have deeper cabinets on that wall - 27"D base cabinets & 15"D upper cabinets. If you cannot get 27"D base cabinets (or don't want them), then pull the base cabinets out from the wall about 3". Those extra 3" in the upper cabinets can be priceless - if you have wider dinner plates they will fit better; they will fit an extra row of glasses as well! The 30" plate rack above the sink is only 12"D and mounted 24" to 30" above the sink so there's more "face" room. With the deeper counters and the plate rack mounted higher, it gives you more breathing space when standing in front of the sink. The range wall has no upper cabinets and two 36" wide windows. I recommend these windows go the counter, if possible. With six feet of windows and no upper cabs, this kitchen will be very open as well as light and airy. Since you already have a tall appliance on the right (the refrigerator), adding upper cabs on that same wall will not take away from the light and airy feeling - especially since they're not as deep as the refrigerator. Note that the refrigerator will also hide any dirty dishes from the Great Room and will make them less noticeable from the DR. To compensate for the loss of storage with no uppers on the left, I added 5' (60") of 12"D cabinets on the back of the peninsula. Those cabinets will hold a lot! (12" is pretty useful - deep enough for small appliances, food, etc. without being so deep things get lost in the cabinets. And, b/c they're only 12" deep, you can have stationary - but adjustable - shelves. No loss of storage due to drawer/ROTS glides & boxes.) An added advantage to the additional cabinets is that it adds 12" of depth for workspace - very useful! On the peninsula alone, you have over 14 sq ft (over 2047 sq in) of workspace - not counting the space next to and behind the prep sink. Seating at the peninsula...I did not put seating at the peninsula b/c the DR is so close, you didn't ask for it, and it allows you a bit more workspace along the wall. If you add seats, you need another 3" or so of overhang and you need to take at least a foot off the kitchen, probably more, to have enough room for seating in both places. Your DR does not appear overly large. Now for functionality! You have plenty of prep space for 2, 3, or more people to be working in the kitchen at the same time. In addition, since the Cleanup Zone is separated from the Prep & Cooking Zones, you can have someone cleaning up while others are prepping/cooking - and no one will get in the way! B/c of the prep sink, the Primary Prep Zone (b/w the prep sink and range) is also nicely set up for one person working as well. Both the Refrigerator and the MW are on the periphery and out of the Prep & Cooking Zones - so someone looking for a snack won't be in the way of others working in the kitchen. In addition, the MW is near both the refrigerator and a water source (cleanup/main sink). They are, however, close enough to the Prep & Cooking Zones for easy access when needed. The trash pullout is in the Primary Prep Zone and next to the prep sink - but not far from the range/Cooking Zone. The most trash & recyclables are generated while prepping and cooking and for an extended period of time (much more so on both counts than while cleaning up). For the Cleanup Zone, you could put a trash can under the sink (while I don't like trash under the sink, I've come to realize that I am in the minority - most people on the Forum have no problem with them.) Other options: (1) Move the Pantry door to the "bottom " wall and use the current Pantry opening for additional cabs & counters, including a 12" (1-bin) or 18" (2-bin) trash pullout (2) Use the 13" cabinet as a single-bin trash pullout. With Zones... (fixed the Zones pic!) This post was edited by buehl on Sun, Apr 6, 14 at 18:41

Am I going crazy or am I seeing FOUR Calendars there? Oh dear, that can't be helping the serenity need one bit. Like a continuous honking reminder of the full time work and stress levels. Even if they are not calendars but some other necessary info providers, get them out of your face and consolidated somewhere else, maybe by the table. Then put something simple and really beautiful over that sink. Store the little pictures and most (all?) the decorative things on the counter. Whew. Much better. On the decorating front, seems you have several styles (country/contemporary/traditional), color schemes (green & lemon yellow v black & white & mustard), and focal points or themes in competition (arched window, glassware collection, B/W bistro checks, sunflowers). It is like too many directions at once, any of which would be fine alone, KWIM? There needs to be more dominance of one thing and then supporting roles - does that make sense? Like if the check/sunflower accessories are going to drive the show, then the wall paint maybe could be more mustardy and less lemony. And the window treatment maybe a lighter or darker solid mustard tone edged with the check in the same scale as the accesories. Maybe hammered copper sunflower embossed pieces at the sink and range. And store the glassware because it neither supports nor enhances the main themes and colors. It all gets much more harmonious and less fragmented. Disciplined editing and a few minor tweaks will solve much of what is troubling you visually. Prioritize among the colors and themes and go for it. Employ the Sweeby test method (see FAQ ). As for function, sounds like you do miss your island. There are many free standing narrow island pieces that could meet your functional need in the short term. It may be possible to patch your flooring and put in a larger more functional island down the road, plumbed for your DW and with a MW spot. Take your time and explore options before commiting to a costly change. Good luck! Here is a link that might be useful: FAQ - look on left for Sweeby test link

Sorry I hadn't responded in a day or so. My wife and I have been busy discussing changes to this kitchen! My wife is reluctant to give up that 6th bar stool, but we're both willing to make changes to our kitchen to make it right. buehl, Thank you very much for taking time to sketch out some options for us. Very helpful. I would love to get your thoughts on the picture below. It's basically a flipped version of your layout while maintaining the same size of the shell of the kitchen. I flipped your layout because we are trying to have an open feel for the kitchen and want to minimize the U shape. I think this new design maintains many of the advantages of the layouts you proposed, but now that we still need help arranging the different types/sizes of cabinets within our space. laughable and others, We will rethink the trough sink. I like the sink that laughable mentioned and will be looking for something like that. We would love to get some opinions on this design. Sorry for some of the chicken scratchings on the paper. My son got ahold of it and I wasn't able to erase everything. We appreciate all of your help thus far.